5 College Wardrobe Items That Can Be Reinvented for Post Grad Life

One of the saddest things about post grad life is having to completely change your wardrobe to suit your new life and career.  Rolling out of bed, putting your hair in a messy bun, wearing leggings and an oversized sorority tee is no longer an acceptable practice.  Here are 5 pieces that with some clever styling can still be wardrobe staples post graduation.

Leggings- yes these college staples can still be used in the professional world.  However the rule of cover your a** does apply.  Pair these with a long tunic or dress for a work appropriate yet comfy outfit.

Chambray Button-Up- this is the utility knife of wardrobes.  It can be paired with anything and everything.  Pair with colored dress pants or pencil skirt for a look that is stylish and oh so easy to pull off.

Leather Boots- Leather boots are comfy, stylish, and can be paired with absolutely anything!  This is true even after college ends.  Choose a neutral tone like cognac, black, or taupe.  Pair with sleek pants and a sweater for an easy look even as the temperatures grow cooler.

Plain V-Neck- a Plain V-neck tee is a staple in most college students wardrobe, they have them in every color imaginable.  It is also the perfect base for a professional wardrobe.  Put on a colored/patterned skirt with the white tee or wear it under a blazer.  Complete the look with a colorful statement necklace to fill the neckline space.  There are endless combinations and it all begins with a simple cotton tee.

Skinny Jeans- while these may not be appropriate for all work environments, a casual atmosphere can accept the wearing of skinny jeans.  Choose a dark wash or black pair for highest level of sophistication.  Wear with a cardigan or button up made with a flowy material.  Complete the outfit with heels so as not to appear too casual.  These truly can be dressed up or down depending on the situation and should definitely remain wardrobe staples even during post grad life.

Unfortunately I was unable to find a way to make yogis and your worn in university crewneck office appropriate- those will have to stay relegated to your weekend wardrobe!

Spring 2014: Colored Eye Make-up

Brightly colored make-up is one of my favorite beauty trends for spring.  The wide array of colors are wonderful for brightening up your face and making features pop.

The color of the year, Radiant Orchid, is being extensively used in make-up.  Pantone even created a line of make-up for Sephora called "Sephora+Pantone Universe The Eye: Radiant Femme Artistry."  It was inspired by the color of the year, with 25 shades formulated to compliment Radiant Orchid.  Plum shades blend together well to create a summery take on the smokey eye.  Truly make heads turn with a violet hued lip.

Blues and aquamarines are making their way back to the beauty scene this spring.  To avoid looking like an 80's movie extra, don't cover the lid from browbone to lashes, instead sweep the color in selected areas.  One of my favorite tricks is to use taupe shades on the eyelid and line the lower lashline with blue liner.  One of the creamiest (and affordable!) eye liners I've used are the Stila Smudge Stick Eye Liners.  Get lost in the depths of the ocean with a nautical smokey eye- utilize shades of blue and teal to create this sultry beauty look.

Emerald might no longer be the color of the year but it can be seen making a revival at make-up counters everywhere.  I love a green nail polish!  I used a hunter green for winter and I will transition into spring with olive and mint tones.  The mint shade is an excellent compliment to numerous spring colors and is the perfect base for nail art.

Whether it be an ombre nail or a bold lip, raise your beauty standards this spring!

Spring 2014 Trend: Groundbreaking Florals

Normally when I think of florals for springtime, I think of the scene in The Devil Wears Prada.  I'm sure you know what I'm talking about, when Miranda Priestly rolls her eyes and sarcastically states that the idea is "groundbreaking."  But these Spring 2014 florals are anything but basic.  Seen in runway collections of Marc Jacobs, Dolce and Gabbana, Isabel Marant this year florals are more edgy and have a Hawaiian vibe.  Florals can be incorporated in numerous ways from printed shorts and brightly colored tops to vibrant accessories.  One of my favorite pieces are the printed shorts from J Crew.  Pair with a statement necklace and white tee for a casual take on the trend.  A great high end accessory is the brocade cross-body bag from Dolce and Gabbana.  The magenta flowers on a teal background are a wonderful pop of color for any springtime outfit.  

Groundbreaking Springtime Florals by shannonmariebauer featuring a pink peony bouquet

Post Grad Closet Update

The time is slowly drawing near where leggings and an oversized university sweater will no longer be your go-tos on the daily.  Words like "business casual" and "work appropriate" will become commonplace.  But that doesn't mean your routine needs to be complicated or boring.  These 25 statement pieces are an investment and can be mixed and matched for hundreds of different combinations!

Spring Trends: All White and Outta Sight

No white until after Memorial Day?  As if!  Achromatic color is all the rage this spring.  The most important thing to remember with an all white outfit is to mix and match textures.  Pair sleek shorts with a bow top.  Lots of jewelry with mixed metal metallics will set off the white color and keep the outfit from looking drab.  A bright printed handbag will add a pop of color and really packs a visual punch!

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Spring Trend of the Week: Skirts

I've decided to do a spring trend of the week every Tuesday.  This week's Spring Trend is all about the skirt.  Skirts are perfect for rising temperatures-- freedom from the heavy fabric and structure of winter.  They are easy to wear, style, and make an outfit instantly more girly and fun.  This spring the shapes are varied so whether it be mini, midi, or maxi you are in springtime style!

Mini- Lengths above the knee.  Here is a cute aztec printed option from Nasty Gal

Midi- Lengths in between knee and ankle, generally hit around the calf
ASOS  has wonderful options for midi skirts.  Like this textured pleated midi in soft blue or pink.

Maxi- Lengths between ankle and floor, full length.
I love the shape on this striped fit and flare maxi from Body Central

Spring Trend: Orange Colored Lips

As the snow melts into springtime blooms it becomes time to transition your deep berry lips for a fresher shade.  Orange colored lips are the newest beauty craze for this spring.  Seen on celebs such as Jessica Alba and Zooey Deschanel, this color is crashing onto the beauty scene.  The color may seem intimidating at first but there is a citrus shade for every pucker.  Skin tones with yellow undertones should stick with the most vivid orange shades while blue undertones should look for more coral or red based tones.  Stick with a sheer shade or a stain versus a true lipstick to prevent looking like a circus extra.  The shade I chose is called “Make it Sparkle” from the CoverGirl lipslicks smoochies collection.  Pair the orange lips with peach blush and a nude eye to complete the look.  A tangerine pout is a fun twist and perfect to reflect the sunny weather!